MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Prime Minister Chaudhry Anwarul Haq on Wednesday asserted that his government was making improvements across all sectors to provide basic facilities at people’s doorsteps, ensuring the development and prosperity of the state.

Speaking at a press conference with around a dozen members of his cabinet, he maintained that the region can progress significantly and become a role model if resources are allocated based on need and justice, free from regional biases.

“While working for the welfare of the underprivileged, 100pc implementation of the rule of law will be ensured because no society can progress without a system of reward and punishment,” he said.

Calling luxury on taxpayers’ money an act of criminal negligence, the AJK premier claimed that no one would be allowed to amass wealth through dishonesty.

“The people of the state will now see palpable changes,” he added.

Affirming his commitment to providing all basic facilities to the citizens of the state, he said far-reaching measures had been initiated to improve service delivery.

In the health sector, PM Haq said reforms would bring visible changes for the public in the coming days.

Referring to the country’s lowest electricity tariff in Azad Kashmir, Prime Minister Haq stressed that while facilities were being provided to citizens, they would have to reciprocate by paying their bills as a national duty.

Expressing his firm resolve to eradicate the culture of non-payment of bills, he made it clear that the government had decided to file cases against electricity theft without any discrimination.

The AJK premier said the scrutiny process under the Social Protection Endowment Fund had been initiated and deserving individuals would soon start receiving assistance.

In the next phase, the healthcare and education of these deserving persons will also be the government’s responsibility, he said.

Referring to occupied Kashmir, Mr Haq said India had turned it into a ‘living hell’ for its freedom-seeking inhabitants.

The AJK premier declared that no one would be allowed to weaken the bond between Pakistan and Kashmiris or endanger the country’s survival.

He maintained that the government had addressed the issue of affordable electricity and flour, and it could not be held hostage every other day over acceptance of various demands.

“No one will be allowed to create chaos in the system, as neither the state nor its laws allow this,” he said, adding that harsh and ruthless decisions were inevitable to strengthen institutions.

The AJK premier said it was the duty of journalists to bring facts to light, and his government would open-heartedly welcome constructive criticism.

He claimed that he had dismantled political monopolies and that political dishonesty was also about to end.

“As long as I enjoy authority, serving humanity will be my top priority,” he added.

Earlier, at the prime minister’s suggestion, Minister for Communications and Works Azhar Sadiq, Minister for Health Nisar Ansar Abdali, Minister for Higher Education Malik Zafar Iqbal, Minister for Electricity Chaudhry Arshad, Minister for Information Technology Sardar Ziaul Qamar and Minister for Wildlife Sardar Javaid Ayub also addressed the media to briefly outline the progress in their respective departments over the past year.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2024